Nóirín Hegarty of Lonely Planet said: “The country’s stunning landscape and incredible hospitality are on par with the globe’s top tourist destinations, Ireland should be on everyone’s must visit list.”

Lonely Planet is an international travel guide based in Australia. On their website they described the Irish experience: “Throughout your travels you will be overwhelmed by the cultural choices on offer – a play by one of the theatrical greats in Dublin, a traditional music ‘session’ in a west-Ireland pub or a rock gig in a Limerick saloon.

“Go surfing at Rossnowlagh Beach in County Donegal. Or just strike up a conversation over a pint with the gang sitting next to you in the pub. It’s these connections that will make you want to come back.”

It is not the first time that Ireland has been singled out for praise as a top destination for tourists.

In recent years, the people of both America and China have named Ireland as their favourite holiday spot to visit.